What the funding covers
- Financial support of about 2.6 million yen in the first year, rising with academic progress to about 3.6 million yen. It is taxable.
- OIST says this support is enough for a comfortable standard of living, including the tuition fee.
- Subsidised campus housing: a furnished single apartment costs 21,600 yen a month. PhD students live on campus for at least their first year.
- Travel to conferences in Japan and abroad is budgeted separately.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Living costs | OIST's financial support, about 2.6 million yen in year one |
| Campus housing | You, at a subsidised rent from 21,600 yen a month |
| Application fee | You: 5,000 yen |
| Student visa and travel to Japan | You |
Who can apply
- Applicants with a bachelor's or master's degree, or who expect to finish one before enrolling. A master's is not required.
- OIST states no nationality limit. International students arrange their own student visa.
- An English score (TOEFL iBT or IELTS from the last two years) is needed if your degree was taught or examined in another language. OIST sets no minimum; it uses the score to decide on preparatory courses.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality can apply.
Documents you will need
- Transcripts and diplomas.
- A statement of purpose of no more than 800 words.
- A CV.
- 2 to 5 recommendation letters in English from professorial-level faculty.
- A TOEFL iBT or IELTS score, if your degree was not taught in English.
- A passport or other government ID, and an ID photo taken within the last three months.
How to apply
- Apply online by 23:59 Japan time on 15 November 2026, and pay the 5,000 yen application fee.
- Ask 2 to 5 professors to send recommendation letters. You can submit only after at least two have arrived.
- Shortlisted applicants hear in late December 2026 and join the online Admissions Workshop interviews between 18 January and 7 February 2027.
- Final results come in mid-February 2027. You can enrol on 1 May 2027, 1 September 2027 or 1 January 2028.
Before you apply: things to know
- The application fee is not refundable, and OIST offers no fee waivers at present.
- Letters from lab members or postdocs are not accepted, and OIST does not accept letters you send yourself.
- The online interviews are mandatory. The dates may change, so watch your email.
Common questions
Do I need a master's to apply to the OIST PhD?
No. OIST takes applicants with a bachelor's or a master's degree, or who expect to finish one before enrolling.
How much does OIST pay PhD students?
About 2.6 million yen in the first year, rising with academic progress to about 3.6 million yen. The support is taxable.
When is the OIST PhD deadline?
23:59 Japan time on 15 November 2026, for entry in May 2027, September 2027 or January 2028.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next deadline (Nov 15, 2026). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Aug 23, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth: confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Sep 6, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Sep 20, 2026 · NOWWrite the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Oct 4, 2026 · NOWOrder transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Oct 18, 2026 · NOWSecond draft: get feedback from someone who reads critically
Nov 1, 2026 · NOWFinalise every document and complete the online form
Nov 8, 2026Submit, but never on the last day
Nov 15, 2026Deadline